Struggling

Don't know what to say except that it has to suck.

Do you eat less when you're manic?

I'm bipolar, and I can't/won't take meds because of my kidney transplant. I get some bad mood swings, too. One of the things that has helped is really focusing on my health because I have to live in my body for the rest of my life. I'm sick of being unhappy. It's really a lot of work to be unhappy. It's much easier to feed myself nourishing foods, get a little exercise, and smile at strangers than it is to dwell on how much I hate people while eating ice cream alone in my room until my tummy hurts too much to sleep.

I started with logging accurately with a food scale. Once I was in that habit, I started focusing on my breathing whenever I realized my thoughts were racing. Next, 10 squats a day. More if I felt like it, but always the 10 no matter what. It was kind of amazing what I was able to accomplish once I started being more mindful. I still have nasty mood swings, but maybe fewer? I haven't binged since April, when I started the meditation. But I have definitely indulged! It's a lot more fun now, too!

I am writing this so matter of factly, but I've been working hard. I see my therapist once a week, I fill out a self esteem journal every night, and I have an alarm set to meditate on a mantra. I can't worry about not getting it together because that's time that could be spent doing something useful or happy, like practicing yoga or playing video games!

Good luck to you1 Add me if you think I'd be a helpful friend.

I can't speak to medication by any means, however I know binging. DO I EVER! So I'll tell you my ancient secret to curb your binging. Ready? Binge on healthy alternatives. Sounds boring right? Get rid of the chips and chocolate and all that crap and fill your fridge with better alternatives. If you're craving chocolate have a handful of almonds, if a handful of almonds don't do it, have a yogurt cup, if that doesn't do it, have some slices of deli meat, if that doesn't do it, have some cottage cheese, if that doesn't do it, have some root chips, etc. You'll still be binging but you're binging on nutritionally denser foods. You won't feel so terrible after. Which is key. Mood can drive you further into emotional eating. I don't condone binge eating but I know it's so hard to avoid.. SO if you know you aren't able to control yourself in that moment try reaching for better options. Another thing I do is make a tea. I have a few different flavors or green and black teas and I drink them either plan or with a little honey. it tends to soothe the mind and take it off of food.

I don't pretend to understand what you're going through but these tactics have worked for me. Please feel free to add me as a friend! I'm full of ancient Chinese secrets

What a great attitude. I'm so glad things are going well for you! I can't begin to walk in your shoes, but I know eating better and working out has changed my life for the better! My anxiety is so much more controlled. Good luck to you!